⁷ that ^(A)the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though ^(B)it is tested by fire, ^(C)may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Suffering for God’s Glory

¹² Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

⁶ In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. ^(A)So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

⁷ Now it came to pass ^(B)after ^[a]forty years that Absalom said to the king, “Please, let me go to ^(C)Hebron and pay the vow which I made to the Lord. ^8 (D)For your servant ^(E)took a vow ^(F)while I dwelt at Geshur in Syria, saying, ‘If the Lord indeed brings me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.’ ”

⁹ And the king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron.

¹⁰ Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom ^(G)reigns in Hebron!’ ” ¹¹ And with Absalom went two hundred men ^(H)invited from Jerusalem, and they ^(I)went along innocently and did not know anything. ¹² Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, ^(J)David’s counselor, from his city—from ^(K)Giloh—while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom ^(L)continually increased in number.